9. Seve Ballesteros

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The history of the Masters is punctuated with great comebacks and great chokes, many of which appear on this list. They are the dramatic tournaments. It seems slightly less exciting when someone romps to victory – too clinical, too inevitable, too predetermined. But if one golfer could make the romp seem entertaining, competitive and joyous it was Seve Ballesteros, whose impact on Masters legend is unsurpassed.

In the 1980 tournament, the tender-aged (23 years old) Ballesteros either led or was tied for the lead after each round. He won by four shots in the end – steady if unspectacular – but the crowd lapped up each grin, each sheepish shrug and, most of all, each whooshing drive. His shots looked barely-controlled at times, quivering in the air as they fell, in the end unerringly, towards the fairways. He went on to win another Masters tournament, part of five majors in all.

His imprint on the fabric of the Masters was demonstrated at the 2011 Champions Dinner, when a Spanish-themed menu of paella was served in his honour.